Island Time

Many of us dream of island getaways in the middle of the workday or work week. With drama our students have the opportunity to bring these dreams to life as their imaginations and creativity run free.

Drama has the power to transport you anywhere you like.

And this year’s Lower Primary Production will transport the students to a tropical island. How fun!

Paradesia is set on an island and promises to be full of adventure and fun.

The Durbanville LP class started rehearsing last week. They had great fun with teacher Inandi Vosloo. (Pictured above)

We hope to see friends and family in the audience when the students take to the stage and we'll all be transported together. 

Theme Supreme

They say, “Art imitates Life” and so we like to incorporate ‘real-life’ themes into our Kindy classes. This way these young ones are not onlyl learning and enjoying performance skills but also interacting with real-world concepts in a fun and energetic way.

The last few weeks our classes exploded into the SPORT theme. How fitting for such a sport-mad country.

During the lessons teachers and students discuss the theme and share what they know and experience around the themes. Various activities then focus in on a number of skills. For example, during Movement we focus on balancing – students balance carefully while walking across a line like gymnasts; they even have to carry something on their heads for an extra challenge.

We also read and perform scenes from books. For this particular theme we use “The Sports Day” by Nick Butterworth & Mick Inkpen. Students live out the characters and scenarios from the story and bring the words and pictures to life in their unique way.

Rainbow Montessori's Kindy students just LOVED this theme

We also had great fun playing “Balloon Sports”. Using balloons allow the students to simulate ball sports without risking injury –or damage in the classroom J So much fun had by boys and girls alike!

Growth and Gold at the end of the Rainbow

The students at Rainbow Montessori School in Durbanville are a true testament to the benefits of the Helen O’ Grady Drama programme.

Students were first introduced to the curriculum during demonstration classes in March 2015, soon after which they enrolled in their numbers. The programme was well received and what started as one class was quickly split into two.

One year later and the classes have expanded to include a Kindy age group as well!

This is all due to the exciting, interactive, confidence building activities included in each lesson.

Every week students get to explore characters they rarely have the opportunity to imagine. They get to go on adventures few have the courage to dream of. And every week they watch and observe as class mates soar, finding new ways to express themselves, work together and deliver stellar presentations.

And all of this in the comfort of their own school.

Whether the difference and growth can be seen in the student numbers or performance or even the behaviour of students we count ourselves privileged to be part of each and every child’s development journey.

We look forward to many more years at Rainbow Montessori.

Who knows, we could be at your school too!

We're in Bellville!

We are very excited to launch our Bellville Studio classes this term.

There was a great demand for Helen O Grady classes in the area and we thought it was time to take up the challenge. And what a start it's been!

Every Monday you can find us at the Collective Arts Theatre easily accessible coming from Durban Road or Frans Conradie Drive.
If you are in the area, come around, pop in for a trial class and we're sure you'll stay.

For our Primary School students we have a composite class from 15h30 -16h30
And very exciting...we have a Youth Theatre group from 16h30 - 17h30.

You don't want to miss it!

Drama Drama Everywhere

The best part about being with Helen O' Grady is our local, national and international footprint.
Everywhere you go, you'll find us at a studio or school.
Should a family have to move during a term, its so easy for that student to continue their drama lessons and their learning development at another studio with a teacher with the qualifications, training and enthusiasm as previously.

But don't take our word for it...Take a look at the links below:

http://dramaafrica.com/
http://www.helenogrady.com.au/
http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/
http://www.helenogrady.co.in/website/
http://helenogradyasia.blogspot.co.za/   

and that's not even the half of it!

We hope that if you're with us already you'll chat to us and let us know if there's anything more we can do for your child. We're gearing up for a new, exciting season so if you're not with us yet... Get in on the ACTion!

Our very own pot of gold

Our first term at Rainbow Academy got off to a flyer and growth in both Lower and Upper Primary levels allowed us to split the Composite Primary class into two groups.

This split was not without growing pains as students took a bit of time to adapt to the new setting. But, as they say, the show must go on, and within the first two lessons either group were happily settled into their new timeslots and stepping into new roles.

We are very excited to see to which new heights this group will soar.

The students at Rainbow Academy are always keen for a show

Helen O' Grady takes drama to several schools around the Cape and this programme has proven to benefit students, teachers and parents. Educators are aware that the development of students' creative thinking is vital to their complete, holistic education. A drama programme like Helen O' Grady's is the perfect fit for all school set ups.

The programme is offered to all ages, all grades, fitting in with your school programme.

If you would like Helen O' Grady at your school find out more today.

Visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates and info.

Making a dramatic difference

Our students at Hebron Christian Academy in Kuils River showed that they are ready for Parent Day by giving their best performances this week.

From Scene Starters to Mime and even during the Introductory Activities, every student gave their best and showed how much they've enjoyed what they've learnt this term.

The Introductory activities had them searching their homes for lost treasures while the Mime To Music this week took place at The Dog Show. In pairs the group produced plays centred around a first – time canoe adventure allowing students to put to practise the ad-lib and improv skills they've been taught throughout the year.

Hebron Christian Academy's Lower Primary group giving their best.

All our studios and after-school programmes give students the opportunity to learn and grow with each lesson. Every lesson ends with students having performed mimes, improv plays in big or small groups allowing them to walk away not only with more skills, but also a sense of achievement.

If you would like to know more about what we do or how you could get involved take a look at our website. You are also free to visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more info and regular updates.

We can't wait to meet you.

All the world's a stage

One of the best parts of being part of the global Helen O' Grady Drama Academy is witnessing the growth of our students week in and week out. Every lesson they are faced with various challenges. These challenges are often of the creative kind where they are asked to produce and create scenes, characters and stories. They are also challenged to work in teams, accept others and respect the ideas and input from classmates. These challenges allow our students to grow within the demands of drama as well as skills that will assist them with the daily demands of life.

Shakespeare said it best.

Not only is the drama class a place for our students, your children, to be anything they choose to be; they also walk out knowing a understanding a little more about themselves and the world we live in.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you and join us for a free trial lesson.

If YOU are in this age group and would like to get involved, tell your parents about us, give us a call and we'll tell you more.

For now, find out more at our website, on Facebook or Twitter. 

With Enthusiasm

Emerson said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”. At Helen O' Grady we agree with this sentiment 100%. Our classes and teachers are steered by enthusiasm bringing to life international curriculum and bringing out the best in our students.

It is also said that enthusiasm is contagious, our teachers therefore strive to bring bucket loads of enthusiasm to each and every class. From enthusiasm; creativity, positivity and confidence will flow.

Helen O' Grady brings to students high energy, high impact, bold activities and exercises ensuring growth and development. Our lessons are great place to learn and to do so with enthusiasm.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you and join us for a free trial lesson.

If YOU are in this age group and would like to get involved, tell your parents about us, give us a call and we'll tell you more.

For now, find out more on our website, on Facebook or Twitter. 

Imagine That

Carl Sagan said, “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.” Sagan, a scientist and astronomer, believed that our imagination is the key to opening our minds and hearts to new worlds and places. At Helen O' Grady we believe that drama is at the centre of developing our imagination. Drama helps our young students exercise those muscles as they learn to create, invent and discover throughout each lesson of our programme.

No matter the age, there is something unique and extraordinary for each child.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you. Trial lessons are free.

If YOU are in this age group and would like to get involved, tell your parents about us, give us a call and we'll tell you more.

In the mean time, go over to helenogrady.co.za for more information.

Like us on Facebook

And follow us on Twitter

Be sure not to miss out.

There's a reason we're the first choice for schools world wide.

Welcome back!

Today marks the beginning of Term 3 and it is going to be an exciting term packed with drama! The Parents' Days were wonderful and demonstrated the fantastic teaching of our dedicated teachers. Students will start rehearsing their plays near the end of this term. We have some amazing productions lined up for this year.

We have been operating in Cape Town for 15 years and over 30 years internationally, using an inspired and highly educational drama curriculum. The children have great fun learning and this programme is a great addition to a child's education. What is more, the children quickly make new friends and the younger one's develop effective socialisation skills.

We are proud of our children's development and parents can quickly see the results of this holistic programme which inspires and motivates all the young people.

Parents Day at the Somerset West Studio

The Somerset West Primary class showcased a cross section of this term's curriculum, at their Parents Day Presentation on Friday. The parents got some insight into how we develop their children through the amazing Helen O'Grady drama programme!

The North Cape Town and Winelands Blog is now up and running

Helen O'Grady Students in action!

Hi everyone! I am Mari Crafford and the Principal of the North Cape Town and Winelands Helen O'Grady Drama Academy. I will be keeping this blog for parents, children and anyone else interested in seeing what happens in our famous Academy.